Window Cleaning and Care 101 for Every Toronto Homeowner

A window is a mirror image of your house’s cleanliness. When your windows are dirty, it seems like your home is in disarray. A dirty window does not allow you to enjoy your view and see the beauty that unfolds outside.

Window cleaning and care are essential for your home during any season. In Toronto, summers are hot and humid, and winters are extremely cold. It is especially difficult for Toronto homeowners to clean their windows in cold weather. 

Let’s learn a few essential cleaning and care tips for your windows.

Window Frames/Edges

First of all, when you want to clean your windows, it is essential to start from the frames as it is one of the dirtiest parts of your windows. The frames and edges collect dirt and dust very quickly. After cleaning frames, sills, and tracks, you can start washing glass panes and screens. The latter protects windows by preventing any dust or debris from damaging the window. After the rain, the screen typically becomes dirty, and you should make sure to clean it frequently as well. 

Frequency of Washing

Based on your living environment, it is recommended to wash your windows at least two to three times a year. You should be careful while washing your windows in summer or winter. When you clean your windows in summer, the sun evaporates water and causes streaks. On the other hand, in winter, the cold temperature can cause water to freeze on your windows. Thus, it is essential to know when and how many times to wash your window. A good rule of thumb is to wash your windows in the spring and fall. But if you want to clean them in summer, consider cleaning early in the morning with cool water. In winter, it’s better to clean windows on overcast days and when the wind is not blowing. 

Cleaning Methods

To clean and care for your windows, you need the following:

• Water and soap
• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Squeegee
• Clean cloth
• Bucket

Steps to Clean Your Windows

1. Wear waterproof gloves, pour water into a bucket, add soap and white vinegar to the water, and start cleaning your windows. In winter, you can add alcohol to soapy water, which will prevent windows from freezing.
2. First of all, you should scrub the glass. Soak your sponge or lint-free cloth in soapy water, take it out, and clean the window from top to bottom, wiping the dirt. Avoid letting vinegar contact the frame because it may cause discolouration of the finish. Vinegar helps to clean windows thoroughly without leaving streaks on them but it’s optional and you can use a window cleaning solution in the water instead.
3. After scrubbing the glass, use a squeegee to wipe down the water droplets from the glass. Dampen the squeegee, wipe the glass from top to bottom with horizontal movements. Do not forget to wipe the blade with a cloth after one to two strokes so that it will not cause any streaks.  
4. Lastly, wipe a window with a damp cloth and then quickly rinse it with a dry cloth. Keep in mind to do these steps both inside and outside of the window.

These are the basic tips for window cleaning and care for every Toronto Homeowner. Whether it’s summer, winter or another season, you can always take care of your windows through the right cleaning tips. In between washing windows each season, you can consider using sprayers, commercial cleansers, and lint-free cloths.  

While cleaning, If you notice that your windows are old, you should consider replacing them with new high-quality windows for which you can always contact Arqa.